About Visits by This Author

Jay Cooper worked as a designer and art director for twenty years in the book publishing, magazines, apparel, and advertising industries before writing and illustrating his first published book. As a creative director at a major Broadway advertising agency, Jay has worked on art and advertising for more than 100 Broadway shows. Jay’s unique journey from book fan to book illustrator and writer is an engaging eye-opener to children about how important (and fun!) a life spent chasing the unity of pictures and words can be.

Jay lives in Maplewood, NJ and he’s happy to make visits in and around the NJ and NY metro areas. You can view his illustration portfolio at jaycooperbooks.com.

Description of the Author’s Presentation

Pictures vs. Words

Grades K-5
45-60 minutes

Jay’s presentation is a visual retelling of his journey from enthusiastic childhood reader to enthusiastic children’s book creator. Primarily geared towards K-5 students, it’s a universal story that’s relevant to all age groups — he cites examples of the many different directions a visual storyteller can explore professionally and then delves into the nitty-gritty of the creation of a book itself. Includes a Q&A session and, if time permits, a creative game or two.

Conference and Festival Appearances

Jay is happy to attend any conference and festival as a guest speaker, panel-group member, etc.

Virtual Visits

Jay is happy to drop in for a 20-minute virtual visit and Q&A using Skype or iChat with book groups and library groups that have read at least one of his books.

AV and Tech Needs for In-Person Visits

Jay’s presentation is primarily digital and ideally projected. He has a laptop that can connect to a school projector, or can transfer the presentation to any local tech. If you don’t have this sort of tech capability, let Jay know. He’s happy to work with educators to make his presentation accessible to whatever the school and/or classroom can provide.

Honorarium

For rates and fees please fill out our Author Request form and the Author Visits Manager will respond shortly.